September 2015

Speed Limit Changes—New Signs Ready to Install

O n July 30, Congress passed the third short-term surface transportation program extension since MAP-21 expired in

September 2014. The latest extension carries forward the MAP-21 program structure, and provides the states

funding through Oct 29, 2015. Though only three months of funding, this latest extension was preceded by considerable

action in the Senate to develop and pass a multi-year authorization bill, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision

for the Economy (DRIVE) Act, which also passed the full Senate on July 30. The DRIVE Act generally perpetuates the

MAP-21 program structure, with the addition of a formula freight program, and paves the way for the House to take up

long-term program discussions.

MDT staff is evaluating the provisions of the DRIVE Act, and continues to support and applaud our congressional

delegation’s efforts to protect Montana’s program funding and promote rural state transportation needs.

Surface Transportation Program Funding Status Update

Highway 212 Safety Project Focuses on Vision Zero

M DT held

a very

successful

media event

recently to

highlight safety

improvements

on the Rock-

vale-Laurel

reconstruction

project and

kickoff the

Drive Sober or

Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign for the Labor Day holiday.

The event was held near Laurel on Highway 212. Director

Tooley discussed the many safety improvements being made on the

route. Two years ago, reconstruction of the highway began with

rebuilding a railroad underpass and substandard two-lane highway

into the current overpass structure with two two-lane bridges

spanning the railroad. Eleven miles south, MDT is nearing comple-

tion of the Highway 212/Highway 310 intersection at Rockvale,

which handles traffic from Bridger, Montana, and Cody and Lovell,

MDT Director Mike Tooley emphasizes the Vision Zero message—zero death and injury on Montana roads, with the Rockvale-Laurel safety reconstruction project in the background.

Wyoming, as well as traffic to and from Red Lodge and Yellowstone

National Park. A ten-mile stretch of the reconstruction is slated to

begin next spring on a new alignment between Rockvale and Laurel.

Director Tooley stated that, “Everyday we go to work to make

our roads safer and this project and all our engineering projects are

part of MDT’s Vision Zero initiative – our goal is to eliminate death

and injury on Montana roads, but it takes more than engineering and

roadway maintenance to get the job done. Reaching Vision Zero is a

collaborative effort among the many people who are here today.”

To prevent highway fatalities and injuries, Vision Zero focuses on

four areas: education, enforcement, engineering and emergency

medical response.

Representatives from the Federal

Highway Administration, Montana

Highway Patrol, Yellowstone and Carbon

county sheriffs’ offices, Billings and

Laurel police departments, Laurel

Ambulance, Billings American Medical

Response, and the Montana Legion White

Cross Highway Fatality Marker Program all

attended the event to show the collaborative

effort underway to reach Vision Zero.

T his May, a bill was signed into law that allows

a speed limit change on Montana Interstates

from 75 miles per hour (mph) to 80 mph. This

change is consistent with surrounding states such as

Wyoming, Idaho, and South Dakota, and will become

effective October 1, 2015.

An important note is that not all sections of the

interstate will increase to 80 mph. Interstates going

through cities with a population greater than 50,000

will remain at 65 mph. Also, the new law allows for

some areas of the interstate that are not suitable for

the increased speed limit to be set at a lower limit, such

as mountain passes and canyons. Until MDT conducts

engineering studies in these areas to set the speed limit

and changes are approved by the Transportation

Commission, those sections will remain at the current

speed limit.

On October 1, MDT maintenance personnel will

install over 350 new signs. Although the speed limit has

increased, MDT asks drivers to use caution when driving,

stay alert, be aware of changing road conditions due to

weather, and drive at an appropriate speed for conditions.

2

Bridge Project Honored

with National Award

A n MDT bridge replacement project received honors in the 2015

America’s Transportation Awards competition. The project,

“Deep Creek Canyon Weekend Bridge Replacement”, won in the

Best Use of Innovation category for the Western Association of State

Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) region and was

named one of the top 10 projects in the nation.

MDT along with Morrison-Maierle, Inc., Dick Anderson

Construction, and Helena Sand & Gravel worked diligently to

replace three bridges under challenging circumstances.

Three bridges in Deep Creek Canyon on Montana’s U.S. High-

way 12 needed replacement after being damaged in 2011 spring

flooding. Constructing temporary detours for travelers in the narrow

canyon would pose safety hazards to workers and motorists, would

cause significant environmental impacts, and double the project cost.

Closing the road would result in a 150-mile detour for up to nine

months.

Looking beyond traditional bridge construction, innovative

design and meticulous planning allowed for each old bridge to be

removed and the new bridge constructed over the span of a weekend.

The highway was scheduled to be closed starting on a Friday at

6 p.m. and ending the following Monday at 7 a.m. for each bridge.

The first bridge replacement was completed six hours prior to

the Monday morning deadline. The second two bridges were each

completed nearly 16 hours prior to deadline. What initially looked

like a nine-month project with major inconveniences to travelers was

accomplished with three weekend road closures.

A time lapse video is on MDT’s website at www.mdt.mt.gov/

homepage/articles/deep-creek-canyon-award.shtml.

The America's Transportation Awards – co-sponsored by

AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – annually

recognizes the best of America's transportation projects in four

regional competitions. The 10 regional winners with the highest

overall scores compete for the national awards.

$2.4 Million for Capital

Transit Investments

M DT is investing $2.4 million for local and intercity transit

equipment and infrastructure. Vehicles ranging from

5-passenger vans to a 49-passenger bus will be added to or replace

fleets around the state. Passenger shelters will be built across the

state with a bus barn slated in Whitehall. Twenty-seven communities

and two intercity providers will benefit from these capital invest-

ments. Funding is awarded through a competitive process.

MDT emphasizes a coordinated process that encourages agencies

in Montana communities to work together to pool transit resources to

better serve their communities.

For more information, contact David Jacobs at 444-9192 or

dajacobs@mt.gov.

New Rest Area

At Flowing Wells

O ver the past several years, MDT has received public

comment for improved state-maintained rest areas across

Montana. In response, MDT is prioritizing rest area reconstruction

and rehabilitation to serve the safety needs of travelers. The most

recently completed rest area is Flowing Wells at the intersection

of Montana Highway 200 and Montana Highway 24. Originally

constructed in 1972 with a minor rehabilitation completed in 1989,

the 2014 site reconstruction replaced the old facility, expanded

parking, added lighting, and includes a new pet area. It opened to

the public in January 2015.

Jackson Contracting Group, HGFA Architects and their team

of design-build professionals helped make the new Flowing Wells

rest area a success. Duane Tihista, MDT’s project manager,

coordinated construction of the new rest area.

To review public opinion of the Flowing Wells rest area,

MDT staff conducted an on-site survey July 8, 2015. The surveys

provide travelers an opportunity to “grade” the rest area and offer

MDT feedback on the new facility design, services and amenities

offered, and discuss how the spacing of this rest area fits within

their trip purpose and distance. Information gathered here will be

considered in future rest area design and investment.

Overall, travelers rated this facility excellent with 98 percent

of respondents rating it an A or B. One hundred percent of

travelers felt they were safe and secure using the new facility.

This facility and the survey results demonstrate MDT is delivering

what people need from the rest area program.

Deep Creek Canyon Weekend Bridge Replacement project won Best Use

of Innovation category for WASHTO region and was named one of the

top 10 projects in the nation.

New Flowing Wells rest area at Montana Highway 200 and Montana

Highway 24 intersection.

Montana Essential Freight

Rail Loan Applications MDT will be soliciting loan applications for the Montana Essential

Freight Rail Loan Program beginning in September. For more

information, go to www.mdt.mt.gov/business/grants_rail.shtml.

3

T en Montana cities and counties will be breathing a little easier

with help from MDT. The department provides assistance to

local governments through the Montana Air & Congestion Initia-

tive (MACI) with funds from the Federal Congestion Mitigation

and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. The program is

aimed at improving air quality through the use of advanced street

maintenance equipment.

Cities and counties that are eligible for the MACI equipment

purchase program include those in nonattainment of federal air

quality standards for fine dust/particulate matter or identified as

“at-risk” of experiencing air quality readings that violate the stand-

ards monitored by the Montana Department of Environmental

Quality. Street maintenance equipment includes street sweepers,

flush trucks, and select deicing equipment. The local government

match for the program is 13.42 percent with MDT providing the

remaining balance through federal funds.

The 2015 equipment purchase includes $2.9 million worth of

equipment, including 11 sweepers, 4 flush trucks, and 1 combo

unit.

For more information, contact Meghan Larsen at 444-6121 or

mlarsen@mt.gov.

Disadvantaged Business

Enterprise Program M DT’s Disadvantaged

Business Enterprise

(DBE) Program encourages

and supports participation of

companies owned and controlled

by socially and economically

disadvantaged individuals to participate in transportation contracts.

It is a federally funded program administered by MDT. To partici-

pate in federally funded contracts under the DBE Program,

companies must be certified through the MDT DBE Program.

MDT is the only DBE certifying agent in Montana.

Certification gives groups that have historically been under-

represented in the contracting industry a chance to participate on

federally assisted projects. Whether doing business with MDT

transit agencies, airports, cities or counties, being a certified DBE

may provide greater opportunity for business. Minority- or women-

owned small businesses may qualify. MDT offers several services

to assist DBEs in developing and growing their business including:

Training—DBE certified firms are eligible for year-round

training. Topics are based on interest expressed through annual

surveys of all DBEs. Topics cover relevant subjects such as

bonding and the use of social media to bolster business.

Directory—Businesses are listed in the MDT Internet DBE

Directory.

Reimbursements—In-state, highway-related DBEs are eligible

for funds that can be used for training, licenses, or other expenses

related to further development of the business.

Quote Request—The DBE Quote Request system enables

contractors to directly solicit bids for a specific project from

certified MDT DBE firms. Prime contractors will solicit work from

DBEs, and the DBE-certified businesses have the ability to bid on

each project. Projects can be highway related or non-highway

related.

One component of the DBE Program is conducting an Availa-

bility/Disparity Study. MDT initiated the study in February 2015

and is scheduled to be finished in the spring of 2016.

The study will look at the availability of firms compared to their

utilization in construction and small business industries and will

provide recommendations to improve MDT’s contracting process

and operation of the DBE Program. For more information, visit:

www.mdt.mt.gov/disparitystudy.

Several methods are being used to determine the availability of

firms, including a survey and in-depth interviews with trade associa-

tions and business owners. Stakeholders and business owners can

provide input via e-mail to mdtdisparitystudy@ keenindepend-

ent.com, by phone at 333-1690, or www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/

comment_form.shtml.

For more information,

a listing of currently

certified DBE businesses,

and more, visit:

www.mdt.mt.gov/business/

contracting/civil/dbe.shtml,

phone (800)883-5811 or

e-mail mdtdbepro-

gram@mt.gov.

Improved Air Quality Using

MACI Equipment

Save the Dates!

Montana Highway Commission Meetings 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena

September 24—8:30 am

October 29—1:00 pm

Contact Lori Ryan at 444-6821 or lryan@mt.gov

Transit Management Workshop 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena

MDT Auditorium, Helena

September 30—October 1

Contact David Jacobs at 444-9192 or dajacobs@mt.gov

Annual Transportation Safety Planning Meeting Gateway Center, 1710 National Avenue, Helena

October 28—Safety Grant Program Management Workshop

Recipients of NHTSA grants and anyone interested in

this funding should attend to discuss the program, grant

criteria, and reporting procedures.

October 29—Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan This event brings safety stakeholders together annually to

assess Montana’s progress in transportation safety.

Emphasis Areas

Roadway Departure & Intersection Crashes

Impaired Driving Crashes

Occupant Protection

See Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan at

www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/plans/chsp/current_chsp.pdf.

For more information, contact Pam Langve-Davis at 444-7646 or

plangvedavis@mt.gov.

4

I mpaired driving is one of the most serious safety issues facing

Montana. In the last ten years, impaired drivers have killed and

seriously injured thousands of people. Many public agencies

contribute scarce resources to mitigate impaired driving, including

substantial investments by MDT. Only recently, strides have been

made to reduce impaired driving through prevention, intervention,

legislation, enforcement, and education. While progress is being

made, there is no multifaceted impaired driving executive leadership

team in Montana.

On August 5 and 6, in collaboration with the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, MDT hosted a two-day Impaired

Driving Leadership Summit. MDT Director Michael Tooley, the

Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety, along with Montana

Attorney General Tim Fox, kicked off the summit by emphasizing

the importance of collaboration to reach Vision Zero.

The meeting brought together a leadership team that has

commitment, motivation, and resources to eliminate impaired driving

fatalities and serious injuries. Those on the leadership team represent

Transportation, Judicial Branch, Corrections, Highway Patrol, Justice,

Revenue, county attorneys, sheriffs, police officers, Public Instruc-

tion, county DUI Task Forces, Health and Human Services, and

Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

These leaders shared information about their individual organiza-

tion’s responsibilities and programs that reduce impaired driving and

identified barriers. Preliminary steps were taken to develop an execu-

tive leadership team in Montana. MDT continues to pave the way for

this leadership team to leverage resources and share knowledge about

impaired driving problems and solutions. Thanks to all agencies

involved for the dedication and commitment to saving lives and

moving toward Vision Zero.

For more information, contact Kevin Dusko at 444-7411 or

kedusko@mt.gov.

Paving The Way For

Collaboration: Impaired

Driving Leadership Summit R oadway

depar-

ture crashes

account for

approximately

60 percent of

fatal crashes in

Montana. To

help reduce

this number, MDT is currently under contract with PartnersCreative to

develop and implement a media campaign to increase awareness of

and reduce the occurrence and severity of roadway departure crashes.

Roadway departure crashes are defined by the FHWA as non-

intersection crashes that occur after a vehicle crosses an edge line

or a center line, or otherwise leaves the traveled way.

MDT has defined roadway departure crashes as non-junction

crashes resulting in one of the following crash types: overturning,

fixed object, head-on or sideswipe-opposite direction crashes. These

crashes can be caused by a multitude of reasons including speeding,

impaired driving, distracted driving, passing maneuvers, texting, or

roadway conditions.

The overall goal of the project is to educate the public about the

consequences of roadway departure crashes in an effort to reduce

injuries and death on Montana’s roadways. The primary focus of this

media campaign is to change drivers’ behavior to minimize the

number and severity of roadway departure crashes.

The campaign includes outdoor and geo-fencing advertising

during Montana summer events such as fairs, rodeos, and festivals.

An expanded campaign is slated for the summer of 2016 that will

include other media together with the Myth Crashers video, plus

similar videos to those used for occupant protection and impaired

driving prevention found at www.Plan2Live.mt.gov.

For more information, contact Roy Peterson at 444-9252 or

roypeterson@mt.gov.

Roadway Departure

Media Campaign

L ocal officials are encouraged to review MDT’s non-metropolitan

local official participation process guidelines and submit com-

ments or proposed modifications to the MDT Planning Division. The

process for coordinating and cooperating with non-metropolitan local

officials on transportation planning and programming issues is not

only good business, but also a product of multiple federal and state

statutes and intergovernmental agreements. This process occurs at

both the statewide and local level for all areas outside of Missoula,

Billings, Great Falls metropolitan areas and includes:

Ongoing implementation of TranPlan 21, MDT’s overall policy

plan providing goals and direction for the state’s transportation

programs.

Biennium public and stakeholder surveys on the state of

transportation in Montana and MDT’s public involvement

activities. Stakeholder groups include bicycle/pedestrian,

economic development, environmental, tribal planners, cities and

towns (mayors), counties (county commissioners), intermodal

freight, passenger transportation, and state/federal government

groups.

MDT support of small urban area plans and coordinating

committees.

Discussions with local officials on the annual Statewide

Transportation Improvement Program development process.

Coordination between MDT and local governments for review

of major developments to protect the safety and capacity of

state and local roadway systems.

Direct involvement in the selection or nomination of federally

funded projects using Surface Transportation Program funds

for Secondary and Urban roadways.

Many other issue-specific public involvement processes that

provide opportunities for consultation and cooperation with

non-metropolitan local officials.

MDT will continue to provide early and continuing public

involvement opportunities throughout the planning and program-

ming process as described in the Non-Metropolitan Local Official

Participation Process guidelines. Local officials are encouraged to

review the process guidelines located on MDT’s website at

www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/docs/non-metro-local-official-

participation.pdf and submit comments or proposed modifications

by December 4, 2015.

Non-Metropolitan Local Official Participation Process

5

F all is a beautiful time of the year in Montana, but it is also when

drivers face additional challenges. With the breeding season

approaching for deer and other wildlife, drivers should expect increased

wildlife activity on or near roadways. With that in mind, MDT

reminds motorists to use extra caution and stay alert when driving this

fall to avoid animal-vehicle collisions and offers the following tips: Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk—Be especially attentive in early morning and evening. Many animals, especially deer, are most active during these times, which overlap prime commuting times. Avoid driving on cruise control during these times, and drive at a lower speed. Using high beams when there is no oncoming traffic will help you spot animals sooner. Always wear a seatbelt—The chances of vehicle occupants getting

injured when hitting an animal are much higher without seat belts

properly buckled. Also, never drive impaired, distracted, or drowsy. See one? Look for another—Deer and other wildlife rarely travel

alone, so if there is one, there are likely to be more. Slow down and

watch for other wildlife to appear. Scan the road ahead—Continually look across the front of the road

for signs of animals and movement. Slow down when approaching

deer or other wildlife standing near roadsides. They have a tendency

to bolt, possibly onto the roadway. Use emergency flashers to warn

oncoming drivers after spotting deer near a roadway. Don’t swerve—Use brakes if an impact is imminent. Don’t swerve.

Swerving away from animals can lead to head-on collisions, impacts

with objects on the side of the road, or rolling the vehicle. If you hit an animal—Pull over onto the road shoulder, turn on

emergency flashers, and watch for traffic before exiting the vehicle.

Do not try to remove an animal from the roadway unless it is safe to

do so and it is dead; an injured animal is dangerous. For help and to

report a collision, call the city police, county sheriff, or the Montana

Highway Patrol at (855) 647-3777, depending on where the crash

occurs.

Be Aware—

Wildlife on the Roads

I mpaired driving is one of the most serious safety issues facing

Montana. In the last ten years, impaired drivers have killed and

seriously injured thousands of people. Many public agencies

contribute scarce resources to mitigate impaired driving, including

substantial investments by MDT. Only recently, strides have been

made to reduce impaired driving through prevention, intervention,

legislation, enforcement, and education. While progress is being

made, there is no multifaceted impaired driving executive leadership

team in Montana.

On August 5 and 6, in collaboration with the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, MDT hosted a two-day Impaired

Driving Leadership Summit. MDT Director Michael Tooley, the

Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety, along with Montana

Attorney General Tim Fox, kicked off the summit by emphasizing

the importance of collaboration to reach Vision Zero.

The meeting brought together a leadership team that has

commitment, motivation, and resources to eliminate impaired driving

fatalities and serious injuries. Those on the leadership team represent

Transportation, Judicial Branch, Corrections, Highway Patrol, Justice,

Revenue, county attorneys, sheriffs, police officers, Public Instruc-

tion, county DUI Task Forces, Health and Human Services, and

Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

These leaders shared information about their individual organiza-

tion’s responsibilities and programs that reduce impaired driving and

identified barriers. Preliminary steps were taken to develop an execu-

tive leadership team in Montana. MDT continues to pave the way for

this leadership team to leverage resources and share knowledge about

impaired driving problems and solutions. Thanks to all agencies

involved for the dedication and commitment to saving lives and

moving toward Vision Zero.

For more information, contact Kevin Dusko at 444-7411 or

kedusko@mt.gov.

2016 Highway Safety Plan

M DT’s State Highway Traffic Safety Section (SHTSS) is

dedicated to reducing the number and severity of traffic

crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Montana’s highways. The

primary areas of focus are occupant protection (seatbelts and child

safety seats) and impaired driving prevention.

SHTSS submits an annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP) to the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the

upcoming fiscal year. The plan includes traffic safety projects using

evidence-based strategies for increasing seat belt and child safety

seat use, and reducing impaired driving. For federal fiscal year

2016, MDT requested approximately $3 million in NHTSA funding.

Beginning October 1, 2015, funds will be dispersed to successful

applicants and include some of the following:

Safe on All Roads (SOAR) – Native American traffic safety effort

for reducing injuries and fatalities on Montana’s reservations.

Buckle Up Montana – Coalitions that focus on increasing seat belt

use in their communities.

State, local, and tribal law enforcement – Programs aimed at

enforcing seat belt and impaired driving laws.

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program – Provides funding for

state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to conduct

extra patrols enforcing traffic safety issues near high risk

events.

DUI Courts – A specific court system dedicated to changing the

behavior of alcohol/drug dependent offenders.

Emergency Medical Services – Assists DPHHS in training

emergency responders to improve patient outcome and overall

survival of those injured in traffic crashes.

Other fundable areas include motorcycle safety, traffic records

data collection and dissemination, speed reduction, and rollover

crash prevention.

Annual applications for this funding are due to MDT by

March 1. For more information, visit www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/

grants/. The HSP can be reviewed at www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/

docs/brochures/safety/safety_plan.pdf .

For more information, contact Janet Kenny at 444-7417 or

jakenny@mt.gov.

A s children head back to school, it is important to keep in mind

that walking, bicycling, and motor vehicle traffic will be picking

up. Adults and children need to be extra vigilant to ensure everyone

arrives safely. If driving to school, make sure everyone is buckled up.

Most crashes happen close to home and even a minor crash can cause

major injuries. On a short drive to school, everyone needs to be

properly restrained in a seat belt or child safety seat. Drivers also

need to watch for children. This time of year the glare from the sun

peaking over the horizon can make it very hard to see a person

walking or bicycling.

Children need to be extra cautious in the morning and evening

around traffic. SafeKids Worldwide offers these safety reminders:

Talk to your children about how to be safe while walking. It’s

always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street

Safety First as Children Head Back to School

corners using traffic signals and crosswalks.

Teach children at an early age to put down electronic devices

and look left, right, and left again when crossing the street.

Children under 10 should cross the street with an adult. Every

child is different, but developmentally, it can be hard for

children to judge speed and distance of cars until age 10.

Remind children to make eye contact with drivers before

crossing the street and watch for cars that are turning or

backing up.

When driving, be especially alert in residential neighborhoods

and school zones. Watch for bicyclists, walkers, and runners

who may be distracted or step into the street unexpectedly.

See more at:

www.safekids.org/walkingsafelytips#sthash.2PCyvblW.dpuf.

International Walk to School Day is October 7! Check with your local school for activities.

6

D uring the May Research Review Committee meeting, eight new

projects were approved to move forward to technical panels for

further development. The technical panel for each project determines

the need for research. If the need for research is confirmed, the

technical panel develops a scope of work and follows the project

through the conduct of research and implementation. The 2015

projects include the following:

Ride Specification for Bridges

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/const/ride_bridges.shtml

Effective Production Rate Estimation and Monitoring of

Controlling Activities Using Daily Work Report Data

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/const/production_rates.shtml

Development of Best Practices for Micropile Foundation Design

and Construction in Montana Transportation Infrastructure www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/geotech/micropile_foundation.shtml

Guidelines for Chemically Stabilizing Problematic Soils

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/geotech/chemical_stablize.shtml

Regional Regression Equations Based on Channel-Width

Characteristics to Estimate Peak-Flow Frequencies at

Ungaged Sites Using Data Through Water Year 2011

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/hyd/peak_flow.shtml

Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) in Montana

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/mat/asr_in_montana.shtml

A Systematic Safety Planning Tool for Local Roads in Montana

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/traffic/safety_planning_tool.shtml Identifying Disparities in Definitions of Heavy Trucks

www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/mcs/heavy-trucks.shtml New Pooled Fund Studies State Responses to Energy Sector Developments

This project will provide a mechanism to share information

related to energy sector development. New and expanding develop-

ments in oil, natural gas, coal, wind, biofuels, and solar are occurring

in numerous states. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for crude oil and

natural gas is expanding in many states. Extracting sand used in the

fracking process is also underway, and shipments of crude oil by rail

and barges is increasing. Supply chains serving energy installations

cross state borders. While states, counties, and communities are real-

izing economic benefits from these activities, the impacts from energy

development on transportation systems are immediate and extensive.

Rural roads and bridges are especially vulnerable to increased

volumes of trucks, but additional demands are also being placed on

rail, port, and aviation networks. State departments of transportation

and other agencies are responding in various ways to increased truck

traffic, infrastructure deterioration, and safety concerns. The project

will identify needed research that may be funded in future years of the

TPF through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program or

by other sources.

Traffic Control Device (TCD) Consortium

The purpose of this project is to assemble a consortium of

regional, state, local, appropriate organizations, and FHWA

representatives to:

(1) establish a systematic procedure to select, test, and evaluate

approaches to novel TCD concepts as well as incorporate results into

the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); (2) select

novel TCD approaches to test and evaluate; (3) determine methods of

evaluation for novel TCD approaches; (4) initiate and monitor projects

intended to address evaluation of the novel TCDs; (5) disseminate

continued on page 7

New Research Projects MS4 Update—

Moving Forward

D ischarges of pollutants in

storm water from some of

MDT’s roadways and facilities are

subject to the requirements of the

Small Municipal Separate Storm

Sewer Systems (MS4) Program.

Currently, regulated Small MS4

areas include Billings, Missoula,

Great Falls, Butte, Helena,

Kalispell, Bozeman, Yellowstone

County, Missoula County,

Cascade County, Malmstrom Air

Force Base, University of Montana-Missoula, and Montana State

University-Bozeman. DEQ is the permitting authority for the

Small MS4 Program. MDT is authorized as a permittee under the

General Permit for Storm Water Discharge Associated with Small

MS4s.

MDT recently applied for an individual permit under the

Small MS4 Program. The permit will apply to only MDT’s

specific needs and responsibilities across these regulated areas

throughout the state. MDT’s regulated Small MS4 Areas

include, but are not limited to road systems, maintenance shops,

salt storage areas, and vehicle refueling stations that are connected

to another regulated Small MS4.

The permit will allow MDT to focus MS4 efforts on the

storm water quality from road systems and facilities, and the

permit will allow statewide consistency in MDT’s storm water

management program. In the past, MDT had seven separate MS4

authorizations across the state that presented challenges to admin-

istering the program consistently and efficiently. An individual

permit will cover the MDT storm sewer systems in all seven

regulated Small MS4 Areas.

DEQ is currently drafting the individual permit and MDT

will coordinate with DEQ throughout the process. After the draft

permit is public noticed and the final permit issued, MDT will

work on revising the department’s Storm Water Management Plan

to meet the permit requirements.

MDT is committed to properly managing storm water to

maintain the high quality of Montana’s waterways. Roadway

users have a high degree of control over the quality of storm water

that is collected by properly maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks

and drips, limiting use of lawn chemicals, and appropriately

disposing of trash and used oils. Garbage and other pollutants in

the storm drains and roadside ditches may end up in Montana’s

streams and lakes.

For more information about storm water and MDT’s MS4

Program, go to www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/stormwater/ or

contact Doug Lieb at 444-0825 or dlieb@mt.gov.

Update Newsline contact information to: Sandy Waddell, MDT Planning Division

Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620

e-mail swaddell@mt.gov or phone 444-7614

Save on paper and postage; receive the Newsline electronically by

forwarding e-mail addresses.

7

The Jefferson Canyon Highway By Jon Axline, MDT Historian The commission’s decision was not a popular one with area

businessmen and tourism promoters. Beginning in June 1927,

telegrams and delegations of people advocating the Jefferson

Canyon route occupied good portions of the commissioners’

monthly meetings. The Missoula Chamber of Commerce and the

Joint County Affairs Committee of Gallatin County both promoted

the proposed new highway. Delegations from Whitehall, Bozeman,

and Three Forks appeared regularly at the meetings. They all

argued that the proposed route through the canyon would “make

Lewis and Clark Cavern directly accessible to persons traveling on

the main highway and will be more free of snow in the winter

time.” The most vocal supporter of the Jefferson Canyon proposal

first appeared at the highway commission’s December 1927

meeting. Dan Lahood owned a small wayside store on the original

U.S. 10 route, but had recently purchased property at the head of

the canyon and planned to build a hotel and restaurant there once

the new route was constructed. Despite the mostly popular support

for the new alignment (only the Madison

County commissioners protested it), the

highway commissioners stuck to their

argument in favor of the original route.

The commissioners did, however, promise

to survey both routes before making a

final decision.

The debate between the proposed routes

persisted into 1928 with the highway

commissioners receiving petitions and

hearing delegations from advocates of

both roads. In May 1928, the commis-

sioners made a final decision based on

public comments and the economic

benefits of both alignments – they settled

on the Jefferson Canyon route. Two

months later, in July 1928, the commis-

sion awarded contracts to Leo Lawler of

Butte and Montgomery & Son of Chinook

to build the road, which they completed by 1930. The total project

price was just under $121,000.

The new Jefferson Canyon highway represented a milestone

in the highway department’s history. A modern paved highway,

it highlighted the canyon’s spectacular scenery, shortened the

distance between Three Forks and Whitehall, and provided direct

access to Lewis and Clark Caverns. It was designed specifically to

promote tourism in southwestern Montana. Dan LaHood built his

hotel and restaurant on the new U.S. 10 alignment and prospered

there until his death in 1957. Although Interstate 90 bypassed the

canyon in 1966, the Jefferson Canyon highway (now Montana

Highway 2) still functions in its original capacity in regard to the

caverns and is one of the state’s most scenic roadways.

T he Roaring Twenties was kind of a mixed bag for the

Montana State Highway Commission. On the plus side, the

federal government enacted the Federal Aid Highway Act of

1921, which had a profound impact on Montana. The legislation

established limits on the mileage of roads in each state upon

which federal money could be spent to accelerate the development

of a national interstate highway system. To fund the system, the

federal government provided the bulk of the money, which had to

be matched by the states on a percentage basis. The states raised

the matching funds either through bonding (which Montana did

not do) or by gasoline and license taxes. Federal allocations to the

states were based on population and the amount of public lands

within their borders. What Montana lacked in population, it made

up for in public lands. Montana could potentially secure

enormous amounts of federal funds if it raised the needed

matching money.

But, that’s not what happened. While the State Legislature

enacted a gasoline tax in 1921, most of

the money raised went directly to the

counties instead of the Montana

Highway Commission. The commis-

sion got only a small percentage of the

tax revenue.

Between 1923 and 1925 the

Montana legislature took increasingly

more of the commission’s share and

gave it to counties. It got so bad by

1925 that Montana had to return

federal money because it could not

raise the necessary match. Montana

was the only state to return federal

funds. The lack of money nearly ended

the road program in Montana. It was

not before Montana reputedly had the

worst roads in the United States.

Help was on the way, however.

In 1925, local Good Roads organizations placed an initiative on

the November 1926 ballot that established a gasoline tax of three

cents per gallon with all the money going to the highway commis-

sion. The commission, in turn, would create a trust fund to be

used to match federal allocations to the state. The counties would

no longer be the driving force behind highway improvements; it

would now be in the hands of the highway commission. Montana

voters overwhelmingly passed the Good Roads Bill in 1926,

which was a turning point in the history of the road construction

in Montana.

Shortly after the passage of the Good Roads Bill, the highway

commissioners began plans to improve U.S. Highway 10 between

Three Forks and Whitehall. In February 1927, the highway

department’s engineers and the commissioners discussed a plan

proposed by Lewis and Clark Caverns owner Dan Morrison to

reroute the highway through the Jefferson Canyon, thereby

abandoning the old road that ran between Cardwell and Willow

Creek (today’s Secondary 359). The new route was a more direct

connection between Three Forks and Whitehall and also provided

better access to the caverns for tourists. The highway commission

initially decided to improve the route through Jefferson Island,

Antelope Creek, Sappington, and Willow Creek as the better one

because it was cheaper to build and avoided right-of-way conflicts

with the Northern Pacific Railway.

Jefferson Canyon highway represented a milestone in the

highway department’s history.

New Research Projects continued from page 6

results; and 6) assist MUTCD incorporation and implementation

of results.

For more information on these research projects, contact Kris

Christensen at 444-6125 or krchristensen@mt.gov or Sue Sillick

at ssillick@mt.gov or 444-7693.

8

Newsline is a quarterly publication of the Rail, Transit, and Planning Division, Montana Department of Transportation.

5100 copies of this public document were published at an estimated cost of $0.46 per copy for a total of $2,362 which includes $576 for

printing and $1,786 for distribution.

MDT attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person participating in any service, program, or

activity of the Department. Alternative accessible formats of this information will be provided upon request. For further information, call

(406)444-3423, TTY (800)335-7592, or the Montana Relay at 711.

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Helena, MT

Permit No. 141

MDT’s mission is to serve the public by providing a transportation system and services

that emphasize quality, safety, cost effectiveness, economic vitality, and sensitivity to the environment.

MDT Wants Your Comments

Inside This Issue

Contact Information Only the most frequently requested numbers are listed here. For an area or person not listed, call 800-714-7296 (in Montana only) or 406-444-3423. The TTY number is 406-444-7696 or 800-335-7592.

Administrator (Lynn Zanto) ............................................................... 444-3445

.................................................................................................... lzanto@mt.gov

Bicyclist/Pedestrian (vacant) ........................................................... 444-9273

Environmental (Tom Martin) ............................................................. 444-0879

................................................................................................ tomartin@mt.gov

Highway Traffic Safety (Janet Kenny) ............................................... 444-7417

................................................................................................... jkenny@mt.gov

Map Orders ........................................................................................ 444-6119

....................................................................... www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/maps

Multimodal Programs (Christopher Dorrington) ............................... 444-7239

........................................................................................... cdorrington@mt.gov

Projects (Paul Johnson) ................................................................... 444-7259

.......................................................................................... paujohnson@mt.gov

Rail, Air Quality & Studies (Diane Myers) ......................................... 444-7252

.................................................................................................. dmyers@mt.gov

Road Data & Mapping (Ed Ereth) ..................................................... 444-6111

................................................................................................... eereth@mt.gov

Secondary Roads (Wayne Noem) ..................................................... 444-6109

.................................................................................................. wnoem@mt.gov

Statewide & Urban Planning (Carol Strizich) .................................... 444-9240

................................................................................................ cstrizich@mt.gov

Traffic Data (Becky Duke) ................................................................. 444-6122

....................................................................................................bduke@mt.gov

Transit (David Jacobs) ...................................................................... 444-9192

............................................................................................... dajacobs@mt.gov

Newsline Editor (Sandra Waddell) .................................................... 444-7614

............................................................................................... swaddell@mt.gov

To receive a list of highway projects MDT plans to present to the Transportation Commission, visit www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/docs/trans_comm/proposed_proj.pdf, or call 1-800-714-7296. You can mail comments on proposed projects to MDT at the following address or e-mail them to mdtnewprojects@mt.gov.

MDT Project Analysis Manager PO Box 201001 Helena, MT 59620-1001

Highway 212 Safety Project Focuses on Vision Zero................................. 1 Speed Limit Changes—New Signs Ready to Install .................................... 1 Surface Transportation Program Funding Status Update ......................... 1 Bridge Project Honored with National Award ............................................. 2 Montana Essential Rail Freight Loan ......................................................... 2 $2.4 Million for Capital Transit Investments .............................................. 2 New Rest Area at Flowing Wells ................................................................ 2 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program ........................................... 3 Improved Air Quality Using MACI Equipment ............................................. 3 Save the Dates! ........................................................................................... 3 Roadway Departure Media Campaign........................................................ 4 Collaboration: Impaired Driving Leadership Summit ................................. 4 Non-Metropolitan Local Official Participation Process .............................. 4 2016 Highway Safety Plan ......................................................................... 5 Be Aware—Wildlife on the Roads ................................................................ 5 Safety First as Children Head Back to School ............................................ 5 MS4 Update—Moving Forward.................................................................... 6 Update Newsline Contact Information ....................................................... 6 New Research Projects ............................................................................... 6 The Jefferson Canyon Highway ................................................................... 7

Rail, Transit & Planning Division

Montana Department of Transportation

2701 Prospect Avenue

P.O. Box 201001

Helena, Montana 59620-1001

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